Patsy McGlone 2nd May 2008

Written Answer from the Minister of Education

Employer Liability Cover

Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education to confirm (i) if all transport providers to Education and Library Boards retain Employer Liability Cover; and (ii) if such liability is specified within the terms and conditions of the tendering process.

(AQW 5884/08)

Ms C Ruane: All Education and Library Boards have confirmed that it is a legal requirement for Private Operators to retain Employer Liability Insurance. With the exception of the Belfast Board, all other Boards specify the requirement to hold Employer Liability Insurance in the terms and conditions of all of their contracts.

Cé go n-éilíonn Bord Bhéal Feirste an tÁrachas seo, ní liostaítear go sainiúil é i dtéarmaí agus i gcoinníollacha a chonarthaí.

While this Insurance is required by the Belfast Board it is not specifically listed in the terms and conditions of its contracts. Instead, the Board includes a clause that states that ‘Contractors shall comply with all statutory and other provisions to be observed and performed in connection with the Service and shall indemnify the Board against all actions, claims demands, proceedings, damages, costs, charges and expenses whatsoever in respect of any breach by the Contractor of this Condition’.

ENDS 02/05/08